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The time course of consolidation in visual working memory
Edward K Vogel1, Geoffrey F Woodman, Steven J Luck
1Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1277, USA. vogel@darkwing.uoregon.edu
Journal of Experimental Psychology. Human Perception and Performance
|December 13, 2006
Summary
Visual working memory consolidation is faster than previously thought. This study found that forming durable visual representations takes about 50 ms per item, challenging slower consolidation theories.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
Background:
- The duration required for durable visual working memory representation formation is debated.
- Previous theories suggest a slow consolidation process for visual information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the time course of visual working memory consolidation.
- To investigate the rate at which visual representations become durable.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a change-detection task with colored squares.
- Introduced pattern masks shortly after array presentation to disrupt nascent representations.
- Varied the delay between stimulus presentation and masking, and the number of items.
Main Results:
- Memory performance was impaired by masks at short delays, indicating incomplete consolidation.
- The disruptive effect of masks increased with a higher number of items.
- Estimated the consolidation rate at approximately 50 ms per item.
Conclusions:
- Visual working memory consolidation is a rapid process, occurring at about 50 ms per item.
- This finding contradicts theories proposing a significantly slower consolidation timeline.
- The rate of consolidation is influenced by the quantity of information held in memory.
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